U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that he "hopes" the Senate will pass a bipartisan proposal introduced by President Trump's ally Senator Lindsey Graham, to impose tough sanctions on Russia before the August recess. Following Trump's criticism of Putin for escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities this week, Senate Republicans are more confident about passing legislation to sanction Russia this month. Thune stated, "It's clear that there is significant bipartisan support in the Senate. I believe the same is true in the House, at least I hope so." "Whether this will happen in the coming weeks is an open question, but I hope it does."